The various debates will include a host of top names from global yacht racing.

‘The World of Yacht Racing; how do we drive the global growth of our sport?’ features Paul Cayard, ISAF president Goran Petersson, Tim Coventry (Connect to Sailing) and Paul Strzelecki (joint CEO of Henri Lloyd).

The Critical Factors to ensure Successful Commercial Event Management will involve Mark Turner, Christophe Baudry (communications director of Vendee Globe Race), Stuart Quarrie and Knut Frostad.

Paul Cayard, Brad Butterworth, Sir Keith Mills, Stéphane Kandler and Alessandra Pandarese, will discuss The future of the Americas Cup after AC 32.

Thursday 11 December will begin with a discussion on The Impact of Sailing Events on Host Cities and Nations, featuring Rod Carr OBE, Tony Guiu (CEO of Pertrechos Group), Robbie Ferron (Founder of Sint Maarten Regatta) and David Stubley (board director of Clipper Ventures Plc).

Annemarie Meyer (co-head of sponsorship UBS AG), Riccardo Simoneschi (CEO of B Plan Marketing), Andrew Pindar (CEO of Pindar Group) and Ulrich Lacher (MD of IFM Sports) will then discuss The Value of Sailing Sponsorship. How effective is the Return?

The Rise of Yacht Racing Events in the Middle East & Asia features Albert Whitley (CEO of Oman Sail), Datuk Patrick Lim (founder of the Monsoon Cup, Malaysia), Tim Coventry (marine consultant to the Nation of Korea) and Scott Macleod (chairman of the World Match Racing Tour).

The last debate of the 2008 Forum will question The Commercial Value and Future of Offshore Short Handed Racing. Mark Turner, Juan Kouyoumdjian, Tim Jeffery, Herbert Dercksen (CEO of Tornado Sport) and Hugo Boss skipper Alex Thompson will discuss.